Life Science Encyclopedia

There are four syndromes called shellfish poisoning, which share some common features and are primarily associated with bivalve molluscs (such as mussels, clams, oysters and scallops). ^[1] These shellfish are filter feeders and, therefore, accumulate toxins produced by microscopic algae, such as dinoflagellates and diatoms, and cyanobacteria. For example, from algal bloom, e.g. Gymnodinium spp. or Alexandrium spp., etc., would have different toxins, or without toxins and just cause oxygen depletion.

The syndromes are:

• Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP)
• Neurologic shellfish poisoning (NSP)
• Diarrheal shellfish poisoning (DSP)
• Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP)

See also

• Cyanotoxin

References

1. ^ Silver, Mary Wilcox (2006), " ", American Scientist 94 (4): pp.316-325